Treating Joint Problems in Horses

Racing, jumping, cutting cattle, running barrels, executing a flawless reining pattern, or performing a complicated Grand Prix dressage test. Which of these equestrian pursuits is the most stressful to equine joints?

The answer is that all types of exercise are somewhat stressful, creating wear and tear on joint structures as the horse goes through years of even fairly mild exercise. Hundred-mile endurance horses may develop joint problems sooner than easy-going trail mounts, but as they age, almost all horses will develop some joint inflammation and arthritic changes. Pain, stiffness, and a limited range of motion are signs that the horse’s performance career is catching up with him.

These signs usually start with mild discomfort that can increase as the horse continues to perform. Backing off on the level of exercise, allowing the horse some time out of work, reducing excessive body weight, and using pain-relieving medications can ease or eliminate discomfort for many horses. These are good management options but they are not without some drawbacks. Taking the horse completely out of work may lead to a loss of body condition that is hard to reverse, especially in older horses. Long-term use of NSAIDs to relieve pain is sometimes irritating to the horse’s digestive tract, and simply masking pain can mislead riders into thinking the source of discomfort has disappeared.

Injections made directly into the horse’s joints are helpful in some cases of joint inflammation. Hyaluronic acid, a material naturally found in joints, can be injected to provide lubrication and reduce inflammation. Another injectable substance is polysulfated glycosaminoglycans, or PSGAG. This has an effect on joint cartilage, inhibiting the action of enzymes that break down the collagen fibers that give cartilage its shock-absorbing properties. Joint injections work to correct problems rather than simply hiding pain, but their effect does eventually wear off as the horse continues to work.

Horses that show lameness, stiffness, or a shortened range of motion should be examined by a veterinarian who can determine the cause of the problem and prescribe the treatment that will be the most effective and least invasive. A combination of therapies sometimes is most helpful in allowing horses to return to some level of comfortable work.